Ocala city manager will not renew contract

Monday

John Zobler recently sent a letter to the mayor and City Council members stating that his term will end Oct. 31.

Ocala City Manager John Zobler will not seek to renew his contract with the city after slightly less than four years in the position.

Zobler submitted a letter to members of the Ocala City Council and Mayor Kent Guinn last week announcing he would not renew his contract for another two years. His term will end effective Oct. 31, according to the letter. Zobler was appointed city manager in March 2015 and has worked with the city for 19 years.

“In my opinion, there are a number of factors in the coming years that will require a higher level of skills from the next City Manager,” Zobler wrote in an email. “Some of those areas include management of unions, budget strategies and social service involvement.”

Zobler said he plans to spend time with his family and travel after his retirement.

Guinn said Zobler’s offer of resignation is terrible. He said the city needs him now and that his achievements are appreciated. Guinn added that he and Zobler work well together and said he enjoys completing projects with the city manager.

“Hopefully we can fix the problem that caused this,” Guinn said.

City Council President Matt Wardell said Zobler’s commitment to the city has been unwavering and his work incredible.

“He is a real problem solver and has never been afraid to get his hands dirty,” Wardell wrote in an email.

He added that the City Council has a large task in replacing Zobler.

Zobler was hired as a sanitation manager by the city of Ocala in February 1999. From there, he worked his way up the ranks. He was appointed assistant city manager of community services in October 2008 and deputy city manager in December 2012 before his current appointment.

Before his tenure with the city of Ocala, Zobler worked for Miami-Dade County, according to his profile on the city’s website.

“I am very grateful to have served this City and its City Councils,” Zobler wrote. “All of City Council and the community has shown me nothing but overwhelming support.”

Zobler said he had no further comments about his resignation other than those already provided.